Whim

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

We put up our tree last week and decorated it with sparkling silver snowflakes and glistening white lights. I love the way it looks, but what I really love is my new Christmas ornament which is pictured above. Isn't she sweet? Anyone who really knows me knows I LOVE Hello Kitty, and this little beauty is my newest addition to my ever growing collection. Aside from decorating for the holidays I have also been spending time sketching out new ideas for jewelry and jewelry boxes. While sitting by the fire last night with my pencils and sketch pad I came up with a few sexy little things that I will begin working on. I am so excited by these new design ideas and I can not wait to share them with you. Ciao for now!

XO,
Teresa

And so it begins...

2008-11-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over and it is Black Friday making it the official beginning to the holiday shopping season. I am offering FREE SHIPPING in my Etsy shop Whim from 11/28 to 11/30. I can only remember one Black Friday where I went out shopping and it was only because I needed new shirts for a job I had just gotten. The mall as well as the parking lot was chaos and I will most likely never do it again. I would rather sleep in, shop online and eat Thanksgiving leftovers. If you feel the same way don't forget to stop by my shop and take a looksy. Where else can you shop while eating pumpkin pie? ; )

XO,
Teresa

New Work

2008-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have been working on new boxes for my Etsy shop and I have already added a few of them this week. I still have a few more to add and I am working a on a couple others as well, so if you have visited my shop and like what you see keep coming back because I will have updates often with new merchandise. I am also working on these beautiful rose hair clips which I can not wait to show all of you. Aside from painting and creating I have also been in a domestic bliss cooking and baking. There are these some great recipes that I will have to share with all of you in future post. Until then, take care and enjoy these beautiful Autumn days.

XO,
Teresa

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this time of year and all the changes that come with it. Trees change colors, the weather gets cooler and the holiday season begins. Even though I love this time of year and all the great things that come with it like the holiday season, I like to take in my holidays one at a time. I mention this because when my alarm clock went off this morning there was a Christmas song playing on the radio and even after the ten minute snooze button went off there was yet another Christmas song playing on the radio. I should not be too surprised I suppose because there was Halloween candy being sold in August and I already saw the first Christmas commercial last week. As a little Halloween treat I'll leave you with a link to hulu for the first few seasons of the Alfred Hitchcock hour and Alfred Hitchcock presents. I recommend watching An Unlocked Window for something creepy on a rainy night. Enjoy!

XO,

Teresa

What's new pussycat?

2008-09-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my world were things are pink, covered in animal print and sparkling rhinestones are added as a finishing touch. This summer I have been working on these special jewelry boxes to add to my Etsy shop in addition to the jewelry I design. The two boxes pictured above have already been sold but I have added some new boxes recently and I still have more waiting to be added to my Etsy boutique in the coming weeks. Each box is different in theme but the style is always feminine and sparkling. When you go to Whim make sure you check out the sold items so you can see more pictures of the boxes above. There you will find pictures of the inside and bottoms of the boxes because I have not left any part neglected of detail. As with all of my work the inspiration comes from different places and I usually write about it in my description when selling an item. For some reason I always find it interesting were an artist or designer gets there inspiration from and what they create from it.

Ciao for now!

XO,
Teresa

The Lazy Days of Summer...

2008-09-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

So the lazy days of summer are coming to an end as we enter into September and I have some great new things that I have been working on this summer. I can not wait for each of you to see all of my new work as I reopen my Etsy boutique. I have a brand new banner, new jewelry and for the first time I also have jewelry boxes available in my shop. I have been working on many new boxes this summer and I will continue to add them to my shop each week. Even now as I have many boxes that have just been painted and are waiting to be added to my Etsy site I am still coming up with ideas for new boxes. I have also had family visits this summer, did some baking (when it was not too hot) and I have some lovely photos and yummy recipes to share with you. All in all it was a good summer filled with designing, painting and spending time with loved ones. Hope your summer was just as fulfilling.

XO,
Teresa

All Aboard!

2008-06-23T16:41:00.001-07:00

This is one of the newest things I have worked on recently. This train was a birthday gift for a 2 year old who is finding a fascination with anything on wheels. I purchased each piece individually and then with some paint and a few special details I had a very special customized gift to give the birthday boy. I now wish I took a before picture of the train but all you really have to do is imagine each piece as plane brown wood. I was happy with the outcome and from the pictures of the birthday boy opening the gift I can tell he was too.

I have also been busy painting items that will soon be for sale in my Etsy boutique. This is something new that I am adding to my shop and I am so happy with the outcome of each piece and I can not wait to share them with you.

XO,
Teresa

Emerald City

2008-06-09T16:02:00.001-07:00

So it has been a long while since my last post but I have been busy working on some new things to add to my Etsy boutique and I can not wait to share them with all of you.

Until then I will share with you pictures of a custom order I did for two crazy kids in love celebrating their wedding anniversary. They got married in May so when designing their bracelets I wanted to incorporate that in the finished product. What better way to do that then with genuine Emerald. Granted it is the BIRTH stone for May but I feel using birthstones for anniversaries is just as appropriate when used for birthdays. I also added gold charms that read "Our Wedding Album" as a sweet finishing touch.

I'll have another post very soon to share with everyone all of the new things I have been working on.

Ciao Darlings!

XO,
Teresa

What's all the hoopla?

2008-04-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post so I felt it was time to share some of my new designs that I have in my Etsy boutique Whim. I have always loved hoop earrings so it just seemed natural to design some for spring and summer. I was getting inspired by warmer weather and all the things that go along with it such as vacations, cute shoes and pretty dresses. Be sure to stop by my Etsy boutique to check them out.

I have also been working on some new things other than jewelry to add to my shop. When all of the work is finished on my new projects I will be sure to post pictures. I am also going to be adding new earrings in my shop over the next couple of weeks. Hope you can stop by and see what's new.

Have a fabulous spring!

XO,
Teresa

My Philosophy

2008-02-26T18:09:00.001-08:00

There are many things we can do to make changes in the world and this has to be one of the easiest. Philosophy has created this very special 3 in 1 body wash which was inspired by the late Dana Reeve. With her as the inspiration for this product it is appropriately called inner grace. Dana Reeve was the wife of the late Christopher Reeve and through all of the trials and tribulations in their life they both faced them all with perseverance and dignity. Because of this they were and still are an inspiration for many people living with a spinal cord injury. Myself being one of those people I always feel a glimmer of hope when I know that money is going towards funding for a cure. Philosophy is generously donating 100% of the gross profit from inner grace to The Christopher Reeve Foundation. You can purchase inner grace 3 in 1 body wash at a Sephora near you or through the Sephora website. Imagine that, all you have to do to make a change in the world is go shopping and take a bath.

XO,

Teresa

Gossip Girl

2008-02-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures of the two new bracelets I added to my Etsy boutique this past weekend. When designing these pieces I was strongly inspired by... dare I say it... Gossip Girl. Yes, the books that have been turned into a TV show about beautiful rich teens who attend a private school in New Yorks Upper East side and have better hair and wardrobes than most working adults. I am not a teenager and I have already seen my generations television teen saga Beverly Hills 90210 (or as all the cool kids refer to it, 90210). However, I can not help but be infatuated with this show because of the beautiful clothes and accessories that these kids wear in every episode. Even when they are wearing their private school uniforms it is done in such a way to let every characters personality shine through all of the navy and plaid. Realistic? Not likely, but that is what keeps most people watching shows like Gossip Girl. The fantasy, beautiful people, fabulous clothes and the most important ingredient in a show about rich teens, the DRAMA. The two lead female characters Serena and Blair create or are dragged into more emotional chaos than a 45 year old on their 4th marriage with 7 stepchildren. And they do it all while looking fabulous, which is why Serena and Blair were the inspiration for my newest bracelets.
Ahhh, youth.

XO,
Teresa

Be Mine

2008-02-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

XO,
Teresa

A Cameo Appearance

2008-02-13T20:42:00.001-08:00

Here is just one of my new creations available in my Etsy boutique Whim. I just love the versatility of a cameo. This beautiful silhouette can be worn by a teenage girl or her great grandmother. When designing this pin I had both the teen and great grandmother in mind to create something classic with an edge. A silver chain hanging from a large safety pin with a pearl and bow makes this cameo pin both sweet and sassy. And who can't add a little sweetness to their life?

I have also designed some new bracelets that I will add to my Etsy boutique this weekend. I am so in love with these new pieces and can not wait to share them with you. Be sure to stop by and check them out.

XO,
Teresa

He loves me...He loves me not...

2008-02-03T18:56:00.001-08:00

What girl doesn't love flowers? My flower hair clips are a sweet finishing touch to any do you are rocking. Whether you have a bob, flip, Veronica Lake waves or a bouffant, these sparkling beauty's will be sure to catch everyones eye. Now everyone knows that looking glamorous is not a bad way to become the center of attention. Come on over to my Etsy boutique and take a peak at the other flower clips I have designed. I promise you these pretty petals will never wilt.

XO,
Teresa

Love Is In The Air

2008-01-31T20:40:00.001-08:00

We are going into February and that means Valentine's day is only a couple weeks away. I have made some pieces recently that are inspired by romance and love and these items are available in my Etsy shop. The necklace shown above is just one example of what would be a perfect gift for you or someone you love. Another perfect gift for yourself or someone you love is the Have a Heart bracelet shown in my last post. Just scroll down and you can read all about why it is a gift worth giving.

XO,
Teresa

Have A Heart 2008

2008-01-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

This bracelet is not only pretty but it also has the power to help in advancements in science. When you purchase this bracelet 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Reeve-Irvine Research Center in Irvine California were scientist are working on a cure for spinal cord injuries. This is something that is very close to my heart because on February 16, 1996 I was injured and suffered a spinal cord injury which left me a paraplegic. I am now confined to a wheelchair and only have the use of my arms as the rest of my body is paralyzed. While I do not like the situation I am in I do feel very fortunate that I still have the ability to use my hands so I can create the jewelry that I conceptualize in my mind. With this ability to make jewelry I will always create special pieces in the beginning of every year in order to raise money for a cure not just for me, but for every person who is suffering and will suffer from a spinal cord injury.

The time around my injury has always been difficult for me and it was January of 2007 when I realized that what happened to me in the past is just that, in the past, but I am the one who has control of my future. It is more empowering knowing that I am doing something to help make the use of a wheelchair a thing of the past. But it is only possible with the help of people like you, so please Have A Heart and purchase a bracelet for only $15.oo. Every bit makes a great difference.
Thank you!

The bracelet is now available to purchase in my Etsy shop. Since this is for charity all sales on this bracelet are final and I will only accept payment through paypal as it is the quickest and safest method of payment.

Bracelet measures approx. 8" in length and has the most adorable silver heart and arrow toggle clasp. Champagne tinted faux pearls are separated by crystal fire polished beads with an aurora borealis coating for extra sparkle. Each bracelet purchased will come in a beautiful sheer organza pouch. Pouch measures 3"x4".

XO,
Teresa

My Fortune

2008-01-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

I have been working on something big for 2008 and since the new year is here I will share some of the details on my new project. This Christmas was perfect in every way. Me and my husband opened gifts, went to the movies and had Chinese food. It was during dinner were I received this fortune in my fortune cookie...

Your charitable efforts will be worthwhile.

After reading this I had to do a double take and share it with my husband because my big project for the beginning of this year is to raise money to find a cure for people living with spinal cord injuries. This is something very close to my heart and I can't wait to share all of the details with each one of you.

Happy New Year!

XO,
Teresa

Happy Pawlidays part 3

2007-12-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

I know posting this is a bit late but I just found out that the person I sent this to had received it right before Christmas. Just in time to hang from a tree. Boots is a kitty and since the only animal related shapes I found for making ornaments were bones I had to give this gift box a few special touches for a special cat. This is the last of the ornaments I made but I'm sure I'll make more in the future. After all, cats and dogs celebrate Christmas too don't they? ; )

I hope each one of you has had a happy holiday season so far. May the new year be filled with love and happiness for all of you.

XO,
Teresa

Best Freakin Cookies Ever!

2007-12-22T00:19:00.000-08:00

Before

Mmmm. After

The verdict is in and the cookies were a success. When my husband came home from work one of the first things he told me was that everyone he worked with loved the cookies. He even said that one person blurted out "These are the best freakin cookies ever". I guess that pretty much sums it up. In case any of you have never made these before and would like to, here is the recipe for them.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies AKA "The Best Freakin Cookies Ever"

1 3/4 cup of flour ( I used whole wheat and it was delicious )
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup of butter
1/2 cup of peanut butter
1 egg
2 tbsp. of milk
1 tsp. of vanilla

Combine the above ingredients and then roll into balls. Roll balls in sugar, place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for ten minutes. As soon as you take them out of the oven top each cookie with a chocolate kiss. And the most important step...
Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!
After all, you have to make sure the cookies are worth sharing.

XO,
Teresa

Happy Pawlidays part 2

2007-12-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is the second ornament I made, and the recipient is a dear friend. When she wrote me a letter after receiving it she informed me that her sweet pup Amber loved the ornament and wanted to wear it. I was so happy to know that my work was puppy approved ; ) I have also been busy making some sweet treats for my husbands co workers. I'll hear how those went over later in the day. Until then, take care and enjoy the next 5 days before Christmas.

XO,
Teresa

Happy PAWlidays!

2007-12-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

I've been making new jewelry and planning something big for January 2008. I'm so excited but have to keep it hush for now. I will however show you some of the Christmas gifts I've made last week. So far only one person has received their gift so I can only show one picture but as soon as I know that the others have gotten their gifts I will post those pictures. This is something I have never done before, but I really liked the way they turned out. Catch ya on the flip side!

XO,
Teresa

How Lovely

2007-12-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Here are a few new pieces of jewelry I have recently added to my ETSY boutique. I will frequently post new pictures as time goes on. So be sure to keep checking back to see what's new. This is my first post so things will evolve as I go along.
Thanks for stopping by and come back soon.

XO,
Teresa